The full form of IPS is Indian Police Service, and it is one of the three All India Services. The IPS Exam is conducted as a part of the civil services exam and shortlisting of candidates is done based on their rankings as per the final UPSC results.
The elite Indian Police Service is not a security force but provides commanders to take higher-level posts in the state police machinery and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Being in an All India Service, IPS officers can be employed by the Central Government and the respective States. IPS officers in India carry a lot of responsibility and also enjoy significant perks.
The Indian Police Service in its modern form came into being in 1948 when the British era Indian (Imperial) Police was replaced. To know about the origin and history of IPS before 1948, refer the link.
IPS Exam – Recruiting IPS Officers
There are two recruitment modes to the IPS (Indian Police Service):
- Promotion of State Police Service Officers
- Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission
For a brief period, there was the provision of a Limited Competitive Examination (LCE) for recruitment to the IPS. However, in 2018, the Supreme Court of India upheld the Centre’s decision to scrap this mode of recruitment of Indian Police Service officers.
The UPSC conducts the Civil Services Exam for which almost 5-8 lakh aspirants appear every year. The same exam recruits officers for the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Revenue Service, Indian Audit and Accounts Service, etc.
The IPS exam (UPSC CSE 2022) will be held in three stages:
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam – 5th June 2022
- Civil Services (Main) Exam – 16th September 2022, onwards
- UPSC Personality Test – To be notified
Check the complete IPS syllabus, and know all the details regarding the IPS exam.
IPS Eligibility – Qualifications Needed to Become an IPS Officer
To become an IPS officer in India, aspirants must meet the stringent criteria set by the UPSC and clear the IPS exam (Civil Services Exam).
The IPS eligibility conditions and qualification criteria are:
- Nationality – Must be an Indian citizen
- Age Limit – Minimum age of 21 years, maximum age varies, depending on category and benchmark physical disability
- Minimum Educational Qualification – University degree (Graduate) from a recognised University
- Number of Attempts – 6 attempts for General category & EWS (More for other categories)
- Restriction on Applying – Officers already appointed to the IAS or IFS aren’t eligible
- Physical Standards – As per the Rules for Examination
To know the IPS Eligibility and Physical Requirements in detail, refer to the link.
Indian Police Service – Roles and responsibilities of IPS Officers
The Indian Police Service comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The roles and responsibilities of the IPS officers are as follows:
- Border responsibilities and duties
- Counter-terrorism
- Border policing
- Maintaining public peace and order
- Crime prevention
- The investigation, detection and collection of intelligence
- VIP security
- Railway policing
- Anti-smuggling and drug trafficking
- Tackling Economic Offences
- Corruption in public life
- Disaster management
- Biodiversity and protection/enforcement of environmental laws, etc
- Enforcement of socio-economic legislation
- High-level posts in the Indian Intelligence Agencies
- CBI
- R&AW
- IB
- CID
- Leading and commanding the Indian Federal Law Enforcement Agencies
- Civil and Armed Police Forces in all the union territories and states
- CAPF – Central Armed Police Forces
- CPO – Central Police Organisations
- CPF – Central Paramilitary Forces
- BSF
- ITBP
- CRPF
- NSG
- CISF
- Serve as HoDs in policymaking
- in the Ministries and Departments of Central and State Governments
- Public sector undertakings (PSUs) both at the centre and states
- Interact and coordinate closely with
- Other All India Services
- The Indian Army. and Armed Forces in general
- UPSC Previous Year Question Paper
- Latest Current Affairs
- Analysis of Press Information Bureau (PIB) Release
- UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question and Answers
- The Hindu: Daily Video Analysis
IPS Cadre Allocation
The officers promoted/recruited from the state police services remain in their respective state cadres. For the successful candidates of the IPS exam (Civil Services Exam), the cadre allocation is done on the basis of their rank, availability of vacancies and their preferences. Earlier the Cadre Allocation Policy 2008 had a state-wise preference list, which was to be filled by the IPS exam candidates. However, now the cadre allocation policy for IPS officers has changed.
Since UPSC CSE 2017, the new cadre policy for All India Services has been enforced. It aims to increase national integration and rationalise vacancies while increasing the efficiency of administration. Now, the IPS cadres are grouped into 5 zones.
IPS Cadre Policy:-Download PDF Here
Zone | Number of Cadres | IPS Cadres |
I | 7 |
|
II | 4 |
|
III | 4 |
|
IV | 6 |
|
V | 5 |
|
In this, candidates have to first indicate zone preference and then the cadre preference. To understand the new UPSC cadre allocation policy for IAS and IPS, refer to the link.
IPS Training
For the new IPS officers, there is almost two years of training or a probationary period. The first part of the Foundation Course is of three months duration and is common to all the new UPSC CSE recruits. After the foundation course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, the IPS probationers go to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad.
Apart from the district training for IPS officers, the different indoor and outdoor subjects are:
Outdoor subjects | Marks Allotted |
Drill (comprising Ceremonial Drill and Sword Drill) | 100 |
Drill (comprising Ceremonial Drill and Sword Drill) | 80 |
Equitation | 40 |
Field Craft Tactics and Map Reading | 200 |
First Aid and Ambulance Drill | 20 |
Physical Fitness | 80 |
Swimming | 25 |
Unarmed Combat | 30 |
Yoga | 25 |
Indoor subjects | Marks Allotted |
Police in Modern India | 75 |
Indian Evidence Act, 1872 | 100 |
Indian Penal Code, 1860 | 100 |
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 | 100 |
Special Laws | 50 |
Crime Prevention & Criminology | 75 |
Investigation-I | 75 |
Investigation -II | 75 |
Forensic Medicine | 50 |
Forensic Science (Theory & Practical) | 75 |
Maintenance of Public Peace and Order | 75 |
Internal Security | 75 |
Police Leadership and Management | 100 |
Ethics and Human Rights | 75 |
Information & Communication Technology | 100 |
To know about the IPS training in detail, refer to the link.
IPS Salary – IPS Ranks
The IPS officers in India get a starting monthly salary of Rs 56,100 (DA, HRA etc. are extra). This is after the 7th Pay Commission recommendation. IPS salary as per the ranks of IPS officers is given in the table below.
Designation or IPS rank in State Police/Central Police Force | Salary as per 7th Pay Commission |
Director-General of Police | 2,25,000.00 INR |
Additional Director General of Police | 2,05,400.00 INR |
Inspector-General of Police | 1,44,200.00 INR |
Deputy Inspector General of Police | 1,31,100.00 INR |
Senior Superintendent of Police | 78,800.00 INR |
Additional Superintendent of Police | 67,700.00 INR |
Deputy Superintendent of Police | 56,100.00 INR |
To know the IPS salary in detail and its comparison with the 6th Pay commission salary, refer the link.
For IAS/IPS preparation books and free study material related information, see the related links below.
IPS Exam 2021 – UPSC CSE Related Links
UPSC Books | UPSC NCERT Notes | UPSC Exam pattern |
UPSC 2022 | UPSC Current affairs | UPSC Notification |
UPSC 2022 Calendar | UPSC Prelims | IAS Online Application |
Frequently Asked Questions on IPS Exam
Q 1. How can one enter the Indian Police Service?
Ans. There are two modes of becoming an IPS Officer. The first is through direct recruitment that is held under UPSC as the civil services exam. The other way is through promotional interviews and exams conducted within the unit.
Q 2. How are IPS different from IAS?
Ans. IAS officers help in Public Administration and Policy Formulation and Implementation. While IPS officers are charged with investigating crime and maintaining public order in the area where they are posted. To get a comprehensive Difference between IAS and IPS Officer’s roles, responsibilities, salary, training, etc. candidates can visit the linked article.
Q 3. What is the educational qualification required to become an IPS Officer?
Ans. An applicant must have attained a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline to apply for the post of IPS Officer.
Q 4. What is the IPS exam age limit?
Ans. The candidate must not be less than 21 years of age and must not be more than 32 years in age. However, specific categories have an upper age limit relaxation, which is clearly mentioned in the official UPSC notification.
FAQs
What is the salary of IPS? ›
The basic salary of an IPS officer starts at Rs. 56,100(TA, DA and HRA are extra) per month and can go on to reach Rs. 2,25,000 for a DGP. All civil services aspirants must also compare the IAS Salary with the IPS salary to analyse the difference between the perks and pay scale for the two posts.
Which qualification is best for IPS? ›UPSC Educational Qualification Criteria for IPS
The candidate must have at least a bachelor's degree from a recognised university to take the UPSC exam. Even those candidates who have written the final year exams of the qualifying exam (bachelor's degree) and are awaiting results can apply.
Each state police force is headed by an IPS officer in the rank of Director General of Police. The head of a state police force has the designation of Director General of Police, and is assisted by one to several Additional or Special DGPs.
Is IPS exam difficult? ›The Civil Services Examination is among the toughest exam in the country and a lakh of aspirants appear for the exam every year. Thus, there is a tough competition. So, candidates interested in joining IPS must have a strong preparation to achieve their dream.
How many years study IPS? ›The total duration of the IPS officer training is 2 years. It includes 3 months of foundation course at LBSNAA, a basic course of 11 months at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), district training for 6 months, and last 1 month of phase 2 training at SVPNPA, Hyderabad.
Does IPS required height? ›What are the Physical Requirements for IPS? Candidates aiming to become an IPS officer must meet the Physical Requirements for IPS. the minimum height for males is 165 cm[For ST (except SC/ OBC) – 160 cm], and the minimum height required for females is 150 cm [For ST (except SC/ OBC)- 145 cm].
Does IPS have physical test? ›The candidates applying for the Civil Services Exam should make sure that they meet all the eligibility criteria for IPS exam which is same for IAS as well. Candidates who clear all the stages of the exam will be selected for IPS Physical test.
What is 3 stars in police? ›3. ACP( ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ) OR DCP( DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE) WITH THREE STARS .
What does 2 Star mean in police? ›Senior superintendent of police (SSP): State emblem and two stars. Superintendent of police (SP): State emblem and one star. Additional superintendent of police (ASP): State emblem. Deputy superintendent of police (DSP): Three stars.
What is the lowest rank of IPS? ›Resultantly, IPS officers remain on the rank on SP till the 13th year after which they are eligible for being promoted as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). ASP rank is the junior most rank on an IPS state cadre.
What is main exam in IPS? ›
The IPS exam (UPSC CSE 2022) will be held in three stages: Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam – 5th June 2022. Civil Services (Main) Exam – 16th September 2022, onwards. UPSC Personality Test – To be notified.
Can I clear IPS without coaching? ›So it is not impossible to clear IPS exam without coaching. A proper and strict routine with true determination and commitment will definitely help you to clear the exam with ease.
Is 10 months enough for UPSC? ›So, as you see there are a lot of things to be done when you prepare for the IAS exam. Inevitably, on average, people take at least 10-12 months to prepare comprehensively for this demanding exam. However, there have been candidates who would have done it in 6 months.
Is Tattoo allowed in IPS? ›There are clear rules in military and paramilitary forces wrt tattoos. But there is no such rule in IPS. Also, this is decided on a case-to-case basis during medical test. It depends on type and size of tattoo one has.
Is 10th marks important for IPS? ›IPS - Indian Police Service, to become an IPS officer, one has to crack Civil Service Exam, conducted by UPSC once every year after Graduation Degree. There is no requirement of any percentage of marks criteria in either 10th or inany level of Education for application to Civil Service Exam.
What is IPS syllabus? ›S. No | Paper | Marks |
---|---|---|
1 | Paper I – Essay: Candidates will be required to write two essays from a list of topics | 250 |
2 | Paper II – General Studies | 250 |
3 | Paper III – General Studies – II | 250 |
4. | Paper IV – General Studies – III | 250 |
There is no need to have science to become an ips officer. IPS posts are filled by civil services exam and the eligibility for the exam is bachelor degree in any stream from a recognised university. all you have to do is securing good rank I merit list.
Do IPS officers get holidays? ›Do IPS officers get holidays? Each government officer is also entitled to up to 5 years of unpaid Extraordinary Leave for personal reasons, in addition to 20 days of Half Pay Leave and 30 days of Earned Leave every year, as well as a 5-day work week and several gazetted holidays.
How many ranks are there in IPS? ›The IPS Post List nearly has around 10 ranks that are allotted to the IPS Officers. The juniormost IPS Rank is of the Assistant Superintendent of Police, given to the probationary IPS. The Deputy Superintendent of Police is the 3 Star Police Rank.
Do IPS officers carry guns? ›Entitlement of Firearms to the Officers
Members of the Indian Administrative Services have not been officially entitled to receive firearms like IPS Officers. This can be due to the fact that they are not assigned duties in the field like the latter and hence do not need to protect themselves on a daily basis.
What happens in IPS medical test? ›
Basic medical tests such as blood and urine test, BP, diabetes test, hearing ability, lungs and heart rate, X-ray (chest, check for hernia), standard height, weight, etc. Eye tests are also done.
How many km run in IPS training? ›Physical Fitness (PT, athletics, gymnasium, sports, cross country races up to 20 km)
Can I become IPS with glasses? ›Yes, you meet the requirements as far as your spectacles are concerned. But it is always best to go to an ophthalmologist with both pieces of papers (a medical requirement for IPS and ur eye test results) and consult him. You will find so many IPS officers for this type of vision glasses .
What if I fail in UPSC medical test? ›Candidates will either be declared "FIT" or "UNFIT" in the Medical Standard Tests. Those candidates who are declared 'UNFIT' in the Medical Standard Tests will be allowed to appear before the Review Medical Board on their appeals by the Appellate Authority.
What is IAS salary? ›The basic IAS Salary begins at Rs. 56,100, exclusive of HRA, DA and other perks. It can go on to reach Rs. 2,50,000 for a Cabinet Secretary.
Is IPS better than IAS? ›IAS is considered the topmost position among all the administrative services. IPS is in the second rank after IAS. After the 7th Pay Commission recommendation, the IAS basic Salary begins at Rs.
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After reaching the position of Cabinet Secretary IAS officers get their highest salary of Rs 2,25,000. IPS officers' salary also varies between Rs 56,100 to 2,25,000.
Is UPSC very tough? ›A lot of people consider the IAS exam to be the toughest exam in India. This is because of the very low pass percentage here. Also, there is a huge syllabus (check the UPSC syllabus in the link) to be covered not to mention the variety of topics one has to learn for it.
How can I crack UPSC? ›- Stop looking at the IAS curriculum as a whole – Divide and Conquer. ...
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Do IAS IPS get pension? ›
Lifetime Pension: IAS officers enjoy lifetime pension and other retirement benefits. Post-retirement: Officers can also be appointed to commissions or tribunals. Their services can also be availed off in other departments of the government.
How are IPS selected? ›IPS Papers:
Candidates have 9 papers in the mains stage. One Essay paper, four General Studies Papers, two language papers (of qualifying nature), two optional papers (Optional subject to be chosen by the candidate). Candidates who get through the UPSC Mains Exam will be summoned for interview/personality test round.
An IPS officer maintains public peace and protects law and order. While serving the nation as a civil servant is a dream job for many, knowing about the role, power and responsibilities of an IPS officer can help you decide whether this is a suitable career choice for you.
Do IPS officers get guns? ›Entitlement of Firearms to the Officers
Members of the Indian Administrative Services have not been officially entitled to receive firearms like IPS Officers. This can be due to the fact that they are not assigned duties in the field like the latter and hence do not need to protect themselves on a daily basis.
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The first posting of an IPS officer is as the Deputy Superintendent of Police, and the officer can then rise through the ranks of the State Police to become Commissioner of Police.
Does IPS get salary during training? ›What is the salary of IPS Officers during training? The salary of IPS officers during training can range from INR 15,000 to INR 30,000.
What are the powers of IPS officer? ›- Preventing crimes.
- Preventing accidents (Social, Economic etc.)
- Accident management.
- Detection of crimes.
- Registration for the first information report.
- Providing security for the transportation of cash.
- Taking action against the prosecution and recovery of the stolen things.